Which linux?

[Manish Hatwalne]

I am planing to install Linux on my old computer and wondering which is the latest stable & powerful version of Linux that I can consider for installation on my home computer?

Any pointers, inputs will be highly appreciated!
[ October 17, 2008: Message edited by: Manish Hatwalne ]

[David O'Meara]

I'm biased, but Ubuntu is easy, stable and popular, and comes with xubuntu using the XFCE window manager which works well on older machines. THere are also other distributions aimed specifically at older hardware.

[Manish Hatwalne]

How about openSUSE - I just read that it's one of the best choices!

[Joe Ess]

JavaRanch Linux FAQ: What is the Best Linux Distribution

[David O'Meara]

Is there nothing our FAQ can't do?

once again from my experience: grab several free distros and install them. Try them out. Find what you like and what you don't like.

[Joe Ess]

Originally posted by David O'Meara:
once again from my experience: grab several free distros and install them. Try them out.

True that. Most Linux distro's have a Live CD that you can boot up without installing anything. It's covered in our FAQ: How do I Install Linux?

[Jesper de Jong]

Look at for example http://distrowatch.com/ - a website with comparisons of different Linux distributions.

Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distribution, it works well and is easy to use.

[Pat Farrell]

Number 1 rule:

Use a distro that your buddy uses. Buy your buddy a beer. Have him/her help.

[Yves Zoundi]

Here are my advices,
* Make sure that you use a popular distro (look at distrowatch.com)
* As mentionned by someone else, try using a Linux distribution that one of your friend use, to get help easily.
* Master google search if you haven't not already. To get good results, you have to type precise questions in the Linux way to do things, not necessarily questions about how you feel the problem is happening. Know more about your hardware, it will help.

Ubuntu, Fedora, Mandriva, etc. are usually a good choice when you begin with Linux. Later, you'll be able to use almost any Linux distribution.

[Jair Rillo Junior]

I have been using Ubuntu for a long time as my primary operating system. It is easy to install, stable and it uses the fantastic apt-get from Debian. In my opinion, it is a good choice when you're getting starting on Linux World or if you want to use Linux as a Desktop/User station.

If you want to setup a server machine, my advice is to test Slackware ou debian. (I'm get used with Slackware for servers)